sportical query

[dakotasin]

all my ar's are pretty standard as far as lower receivers go... fenced mag release, deflector, dust cover, a-3/4 configuration, etc...

so, i find this dpms sportical, and i kinda like the idea of a 16" light barrel gun... but, am concerned about the lack of a brass deflector. for those that have shot the sportical, what were your thoughts, especially regarding the lack of a deflector? (i'm right handed, if that matters). did the gun seem to display appropriate accuracy? how did it behave?

thanks!

 

[chrissmallwood]

Ive had a sportical for awhile now and Im pretty pleased with it. Its actually quite accurate even with me shooting, my best group to date at 100 yds has been about 1.25" which to some that might not be that good but in the hands of a better shooter and with the proper ammo it could probably do alot better. As for having no brass deflector I haven't noticed any problems. The brass lands in a small circle about 5' to the right and 7' to the back, its very consistent in the ejection pattern. Ive never been hit by a shell either. Im happy with it, Im not going to be firing 1000 rds through it every weekend nor am I a "tactical operator" so I didnt need the best AR their is.

 

[malamuteman1]

I shoot the sportical left handed and have no problems,a lil to the rear and out 3-4 feet very pleased with this gun!

 

[dakotasin]

thanks for the feedback, guys.

as many ar-type rifles as there is out there, these must not be that popular - maybe just too many choices...?

 

[jester_s1]

The Sporticals are popular in my neck of the woods. They are cheaper than any other AR out there because of the forward assist, deflector and dust cover being gone, and have the same barrels and guts as the higher priced ones. Of course, anything black and evil is hot right now. Personally, I think the market is saturated with manufacturers and once the rush dies down in a couple of years (or a ban goes into effect) we will see one or two go out of business. It will be like the car industry is now.

 

[Grey Morel]

My experience with the DPMS Sportical has been positive.

The accuracy is average for an AR-15 pattern rifle. The lack of a brass deflector and forward assist bothered me at first, but they are not needed.

The brass ejects as normal, and i have never needed the forward assist; I have used several types of comercial 223 and XM-193 NATO ball with no problems.

Having fired Bushmasters and Stag arms AR-15s, and comparing those experiences to the Sportical, it is my opinion that the Sportical is a fine rifle, that will serve you well until you can afford something from a higher tier.

Happy shooting!!

 

[Acera]

dakotasin wrote:

but, am concerned about the lack of a brass deflector

You have to remember that the brass deflector is a relatively new thing. I don't think that they started putting them on until about half way into the life of the ARs, mid to late 80's I think.

I have shot the Sportical a few times, a buddy has one, I was impressed with the light weight, but it seemed like an attempt to save as much money as possible when producing one. You will have to invest in an optic, or irons for the back.

It depends on what you want. It's a light weight gun, that will function properly and shoot good. You might want to look at your final configuration thoughts, and might go with a rifle that comes with a few more standard features. Good starter gun for those wanting to get into AR's. So if money is an issue go with it, as with any AR, you can modify it later to suit your needs.

 

[dakotasin]

well, i already have a couple ar's, one being a full blown custom built by a smith in virginia, so this prospect has nothing to do w/ not being able to afford a 'top tier' gun - but has everything to do w/ being portable: a lightweight, 16" gun... so, if this gun isn't of sound quality, then i'll pass - i don't need another ar for the sake of having another ar. however, the general feedback seems to be it is a decent gun - and it is in the configuration i would've spec'd out for my next upper...

 

[chrissmallwood]

Id think you'd be served well with one. Mines been dead reliable but I clean it after every hundred rds and I don't abuse it either. Granted its not a Colt, Noveske or one of the other top AR's but as long as you know that going in you should be happy with it.